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We can’t see beyond the
smudges of our lives until we cleanse ourselves, like in window cleaning. Only
then will we see His truth, His wonderful attributes and gifts.
Eternal Perspectives by Sally Bair
Window washing
I live near a dirt path traveled
by frequent ATVs. As a result, dust blows into my apartment and coats
everything in sight, including the windows. Greasy smudges and even bird
spatterings add to the problem of clouded window panes.
Window washing isn’t my
favorite activity. But I’m always amazed how much better my view is after I’ve
finished the chore. There’s nothing better than clean windows. I should wash
them more often.
Spiritual dirt and grime
sometimes tend to cloud my vision of God and His love, too. Perhaps you can
relate to such a problem. And it can
become a problem if we allow it. Cloudiness can appear in the form of
distractions. We all face many of them.
Or we may have a bad
attitude. When we choose to grumble and complain about people, places or
things, we shut out the clear light of God’s love and blessings. Grumbling is
what got the Israelites in trouble over and over as they hiked through the
wilderness. It kept them from seeing the path God had chosen for them. It clouded
their memory of the miracles He had performed the day before. They became so
used to their smudged sight that they didn’t realize they couldn’t see God’s
love and provision.
Jesus berated the Pharisees
for not keeping their hearts clean. “Now you Pharisees make the outside of the
cup and dish clean, but your inward part is full of greed and wickedness.
Foolish ones! Did not He who made the outside make the inside also? But rather
give alms of such things as you have; then indeed all things are clean to you.”
(Luke 11:39-41
Paul also admonishes his
readers to keep themselves clean. “… Let us cleanse ourselves from all
filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2
Corinthians 7:1) The point of cleansing is to dedicate ourselves to Christ and
live in His righteousness. The Bible repeats the command to walk in the light
of God’s Spirit. We can’t be righteous (right with God) when we live as if
we’re dirty windows—cloudy to those who look upon us.
Lord, thank You for the clarity of Your light and for
Your Word which is a lamp onto our feet. Forgive us the times we’ve allowed the
cares of this world and the bad attitudes of our hearts to cloud Your perfect
love. Cause us to clean our hearts for Your sake and for the sake of others who
need to see You through us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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